Restrictive Covenant
A legal obligation on a property that limits what you can do with it.
A restrictive covenant is a clause in a property's title deeds that restricts the owner's use. Common examples: no extensions without approval, no commercial use, no keeping livestock, or specific architectural restrictions on new-build estates. Covenants are binding on all future owners until formally lifted. Your solicitor will flag any restrictive covenants during conveyancing. Some are enforceable by the original beneficiary; some are unenforceable but still legally recorded.
Related terms
- Conveyancing →
- Freehold vs Leasehold →
- Conveyancing Process — full guide →
This glossary entry is a brief definition. For the full practical walkthrough, see the guide above.
- Full Glossary →
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